Schluter®-DITRA Still Delivering For The Flooring Industry

Originally launched by Schlüter^®-Systems nearly 40 years ago, the DITRA uncoupling membrane revolutionised the flooring industry by offering functions such as load distribution, vapour management and reliable waterproofing.  Over time, these practical benefits have been developed further, creating a key family of products within the Schlüter-Systems portfolio, which today comprises around 12,000 established product lines.

The low-profile membrane features a distinctive dovetail-shaped structure that enhances the adhesion of tiles and natural stone coverings. A fleece backing allows DITRA to be securely bonded to a wide variety of substrates, ensuring it lays flat and helping to speed up installation. Building on this proven design, more recent innovations have seen the DITRA concept embrace more diverse situations, including adhesive-free installation for greater ease of use by general builders and bathroom installers, as well as integration into installer-friendly underfloor heating systems.

Drawing on Schlüter^®-Systems’ Peel & Stick technology, DITRA-PS presents a pressure sensitive release film on the back of the membrane, which permits it to be repositioned as often as required provided no pressure has been applied, to ensure the membrane is perfectly placed. Once pressure has been applied, the mat is adhered to the substrate and is immediately ready for tiling.

The Schluter^®-DITRA-PS membrane is therefore the ideal answer to dealing with troublesome substrates such as P5 green chipboard, which is not suitable for use with traditional tile adhesive and does not offer the same level of protection against tiles cracking, debonding or moisture damage. DITRA Peel & Stick allows installers to easily stick down the membrane onto even the trickiest of substrates, with no tile adhesive required and no mess involved.

Then, where building owners or bathroom specialists want to deliver warmth independent of the main heating system, the Schluter^®-DITRA  range also includes  DITRA-HEAT and DITRA-HEAT-DUO.  DITRA-HEAT is not just an ideal substrate for ceramic tiles and natural stone, vinyl and other substrates, but also an innovative system for warming wall areas, while heat output can be controlled via smart home devices, as well as the manufacturer’s app, or conventional controls.  The membrane is available in mat or roll format.

One of Schlüter^®-Systems strategic strengths is that it has always listened to its customers’ needs which is why DITRA-SOUND was introduced to the range in 2017, very much suiting the trends towards multi-generational living and the popularity of apartment developments. 

Retaining the original fleece-backed polyethylene membrane construction and low height, the heavy-duty version of the original DITRA has been independently tested to ISO 140-8 to prove it offers an impact sound reduction of 13 dB; though the perceived performance in terms of how footsteps and falling objects are heard in the room below, will vary depending on the overall floor/ceiling construction.

Ultimately, the market-leading Schluter^®-DITRA family of products offers game-changing benefits for domestic and commercial properties in terms of their uncoupling characteristics, ease of installation and allied benefits, demonstrated across the multiple variants. 

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

Flybox - The Retractable Power Socket For Use In Showrooms And Other Large Indoor Spaces

Flybox provides safe power connectivity within large internal spaces exactly where you need it. It provides all the benefits of a flip-lid floor box, which keeps sockets hidden under the floor until you need them, with the versatility of a lengthy fly lead. The result is easy access to power in all corners of the building – a socket where you need it, when you need it.

Simply open the lid and pull the retractable fly lead to the location where a 13-Amp socket is needed and cover the trailing cable with cable protectors to prevent trips. Simple and versatile, Flybox provides power accessibility for a wide range of commercial and public building uses, such as digital displays, lighting, signage, freestanding heaters and even lighting up the Christmas tree! When the power source is no longer needed, unplug the devices, return the fly lead to the floor box and close the lid. No need for additional extension cables or standard fly leads – everything is contained within the floor box and stored away until you need it next time.

With a robust stainless steel construction and choice of lids to suit the floor type, Flybox is ideal for all kinds of large internal spaces, including showrooms, museums, event spaces, exhibition halls, pop-up food and drink festivals and temporary indoor markets. It can also provide safe access to power in covered outdoor areas, subject to adequate protection from moisture and rainfall. www.popuppower.co.uk

Gilberts Delivers The Low-Down

Gilberts is delivering the low-down on how building services can meet the challenge of the changing office landscape. The drivers of reduced energy costs, creating a healthier working environment and flexible office spaces are combining to see increasing demand for underfloor air distribution (UfAD): up 8% according to market data. 

Gilberts' uniquely designed GFS floor swirl diffuser brings new dimensions for designers and users of the internal space. Its performance characteristics mean GFS can help towards WELL, LEED and BREEAM accreditation.

The GFS circulates air from the floor void with no need for direct ducting. As a result, it can be positioned anywhere across the floor plan. And GFS maximises agile offices: all that is needed is repositioning of the diffuser - often just swapping a floor tile - with no need to reconfigure the air circulation paths nor ducting. The patented design enables the choice of horizontal or diagonal (45°) swirling omni-directional or diffused airflow at floor level.

Heating and cooling is quickly and effectively delivered where the occupants are. Excess heat generated by the occupants - people and machines - and airborne pollutants are displaced upwards and out, optimising indoor air quality and comfort. Gilberts has incorporated a volume control damper into the diffuser which regulates the quantity of airflow as required for occupant comfort and doubles as a dirt trap.

The diffuser plate removes easily to facilitate cleaning, adjustment or maintenance. Whilst predominantly used for air supply, GFS can, like all Gilberts’ swirl diffusers, also function as the ventilation extract, further simplifying the design and specification process.

Dave Harding, Gilberts’ Sales & Marketing Director, comments: “The efficiency of UfAD systems - delivering heating and cooling at low level - is established. Our GFS enhances those proven USPs. It gives much greater flexibility over how the occupied space is used, even as that usage changes. It’s a simple consideration to the specification that can have a huge impact on the appeal for owners and tenants.”

Gilberts has a proven track record in supporting creation of stimulating work environments, with projects including the British Music Experience in Liverpool, the F35 flight simulator at BAE Systems in Warton and lecture theatres at University of Lancashire. All of Gilberts' products - standard lines and bespoke solutions - are designed and developed in accordance with BS EN ISO 9001:2015 quality standard in their state-of-the-art 140,000 ft² facility in Blackpool.

The test facility, including an air movement laboratory and specialist CFD and BIM software suites, give customers unrivalled technical support and specification validation. The company is committed to protecting the environment by minimising embodied life cycle carbon in its manufacturing processes and has achieved bronze status in the Supply Chain Sustainability School.  https://gilbertsblackpool.com